Omaha hoping to change bar close time to 2 am

The same day that Governor Dave Heineman signs a bill into law that allows cities to decide if they want to extend bar time until 2 am, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle is jumping at the chance. Suttle’s spokesman Ron Gerard says an ordinance to present to the city council is already in the works. Mayor Suttle is drafting an ordinance that will be given to the Omaha City Council and he will work with the council to move it forward.

Gerard says Mayor Suttle believes the new law will allow Omaha to compete with other cities and attract more events. He adds that this will accommodate different lifestyles of those who live here and make help with economic development and growth. It will also help the city compete for business that may be currently traveling across the river into Iowa where bar closing time is already set at 2 am.

Five out of the seven Omaha City Council members will have to approve the time change. The earliest it could go into effect is July 14th.